President Trump

Two Iowa National Guard soldiers were killed in Syria, the first American casualties there since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Political scientists Karen Kedrowski and Wayne Moyer break down what it means. Plus, Iowa politics including U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ role in the House GOP health care debate and a new Republican challenger in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. We also touch on campaign shakeups in the 4th District and other key political developments.

Former Ambassador George Kent spent 33 years in the foreign service, serving twice in diplomatic roles in Ukraine, and most recently as the ambassador to Estonia. He notably gave testimony in the 2019 House impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump. Host Ben Kieffer spoke with the diplomat while he visited Des Moines this week, speaking to the Greater Des Moines Committee on Foreign Relations. They spoke on several topics, including his cross-country bicycle ride, his termination from the federal government and what he calls the "decimation" of the United States' professional foreign service being carried out by President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Immigration advocates say an Afghan man was detained, questioned and released by ICE in Des Moines on Tuesday. Afghan community leaders and advocates report many families are feeling fearful and anxious in the wake of the Trump administration's sweeping immigration restrictions.

In March, the entire Institute of Museum and Library Services staff was placed on administrative leave by the Trump administration, indefinitely pausing all work processing 2025 grant applications. Now, the IMLS has reinstated terminated grants.

Political analysts Megan Goldberg and Kelly Shaw break down why Iowa’s delegation waited for Trump’s approval before voting to release the Epstein files — plus insight on support for ACA subsidies, Texas redistricting, the farm bill and more.

Monica Holt, a nationally recognized arts leader and former senior vice president of artistic planning at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, will serve as DMPA's next president and chief executive officer.

What do this week’s election results tell us about the mood of voters — and what’s ahead for 2026? Plus, where blame lands in the ongoing shutdown.

Farmers are hoping for relief as President Donald Trump visits Asia to resolve a trade war over tariffs and what's at stake for next week's local elections.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took Armando Garcia Picazo into custody in August. Authorities wouldn't release him even though an immigration judge approved his bond. He sued to be released. This week, a federal judge ruled in his favor.

Across the country last weekend, people demonstrated at “No Kings” rallies to protest President Trump’s agenda. Even in parts of Iowa that Trump won by a wide margin had hundreds show up to voice their objections.